An unannounced inspection by Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has identified a number of areas of non-compliance at Waterford Residential Care Centre, despite generally positive feedback from residents about their care and surroundings. The inspection took place over two days in November 2025 and assessed the centre’s compliance with national care regulations.

Residents Positive

Inspectors found that many residents spoke highly of the centre, describing it as “homely” and “first class,” while also praising staff as kind and attentive. The purpose-built facility, which accommodates up to 80 residents, was described as clean, well-maintained and welcoming, with spacious single en-suite bedrooms and a range of communal and outdoor areas. Residents also had access to healthcare professionals and a variety of on-site facilities, including activity rooms, a café area and landscaped courtyards. However, the report highlighted several serious issues that require action by management.

Governance and Oversight Concerns

Inspectors found that management systems did not effectively identify or address risks in the centre. They noted a sharp rise in incidents, particularly falls, which increased significantly in early 2025. While some incidents received review, inspectors found no evidence that most falls were analysed to prevent future risks. The report also raised concerns about financial procedures, record storage and inconsistencies in how parts of the building were being used.

Healthcare and Resident Safety Issues

Inspectors identified failures in key aspects of healthcare delivery. Some residents at risk of malnutrition had not received dietitian reviews despite referrals. In addition, staff did not consistently deliver required care, such as scheduled oral hygiene for certain residents. The report also highlighted risks around the storage of certain medical products and noted that two residents could not access call bells at one point during the inspection.

Fire Safety and Emergency Planning

Fire safety procedures required urgent improvement, particularly around evacuation planning. Inspectors found that staff had not received training in vertical evacuation procedures, despite previous recommendations dating back to 2022. They also identified issues such as fire doors being wedged open and unclear evacuation signage, which could pose risks in an emergency.

Food, Nutrition and Daily Life

While meals were freshly prepared on-site, some residents expressed dissatisfaction with food quality, especially evening meals. Inspectors also found that residents on modified diets did not receive meal choices and that food presentation required improvement. In terms of daily life, the report noted gaps in activity provision, with some residents experiencing long periods without meaningful engagement due to inconsistent staffing of activity coordinators.

Residents’ Rights

Inspectors found that some residents’ concerns raised at meetings had not been addressed. These included ongoing issues such as limited transport options, unresolved window privacy concerns and lack of consistent Wi-Fi access throughout the building. They also found that restricted access between units limited residents’ independence, particularly where keypad codes were not made available.

Standards Met

Despite the issues, the inspection found several areas of compliance. The centre had sufficient staffing levels overall and provided access to a range of healthcare services. Staff completed key training in areas such as fire safety and safeguarding, although some gaps remain. Inspectors also noted strong infection control practices, good medication management systems in most cases and a generally high standard of accommodation.

Inspection Outcome

The inspection concluded that while Health Service Executive-run centre has many positive features, it must address several regulatory breaches to ensure consistent and safe care. HIQA rated multiple areas as not compliant or substantially compliant, particularly in governance, healthcare, fire safety and residents’ rights. The findings will now inform ongoing regulatory oversight and any required improvements at the centre. For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.